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Baraniak, Edward, Mleczak, Mariusz, Huemer, Peter (2021): Description of the female genitalia of Monochroa tekovella Kosorin, 2020 (Lepidoptera, Gelechioidea, Gelechiidae, Anomologini). Zootaxa 5016 (4): 597-600, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5016.4.10

Infectious complications caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria are a serious clinical and therapeutic problem. Our study aimed to analyze the genetic characteristics of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing

Background: Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) causes a ubiquitous infection which can pose a significant threat for immunocompromised individuals, such as those undergoing solid organ transplant (SOT). Arguably, the most successful vaccine studied to date is the recombinant glycoprotein-B (gB) with MF59 adjuvant which, in 3 Phase II trials, demonstrated 43–50% efficacy in preventing HCMV acquisition in seronegative healthy women or adolescents and reduction in virological parameters after SOT. However, the mechanism of vaccine protection in seronegative recipients remains undefined. Methods: We evaluated samples from the cohort of seronegative SOT patients enroled in the Phase II glycoprotein-B/MF59 vaccine trial who received organs from seropositive donors. Samples after SOT (0–90 days) were tested by real-time quantitative PCR for HCMV DNA. Anti-gB antibody levels were measured by ELISA. Neutralization was measured as a decrease in infectivity for fibroblast cell cultures revealed by expression of immediate-early antigens. Findings: Serological analyses revealed a more rapid increase in the humoral response against gB post transplant in vaccine recipients than in those randomised to receive placebo. Importantly, a number of patient sera displayed HCMV neutralising responses – neutralisation which was abrogated by pre-absorbing the sera with recombinant gB. Interpretation: We hypothesise that the vaccine primed the immune system of seronegative recipients which, when further challenged with virus at time of transplant, allowed the host to mount rapid immunological humoral responses even under conditions of T cell immune suppression during transplantation. Keywords: Cytomegalovirus, Vaccination, Antibody responses, Prime-boost

The leaf-miner mothCameraria ohridella,a pest in Central Europe, causes severe damage to trees. Host-associated differentiation (HAD) for this species has been suggested previously based on the occurrence of a specific mitochondrial haplotype. We assessed genetic diversity and population structure for sympatrically occurring individuals collected in association with two host species, Ohio buckeye (Aesculus glabra) and horse chestnut (Ae. hippocastanum), using six microsatellite loci (SSR) and mtDNA sequences that encode parts of cytochrome oxidase I and II. To infer population structure and assign individuals to clusters, we employed Bayesian clustering. We further characterized the relationships between genetic distance and geographical distance (IBD) in analyzed samples. Although our results derived from the SSR loci analyses demonstrating that there was no population substructuring caused by the hosts, we found evidence of differences in wing size, which might be attributed to the quality of food resources available to larvae. The population structure withK = 2 cannot be interpreted as the result of IBD; rather, it reflects a population differentiation due to demographic or genetic processes (e.g., an origin of invaders). Although genetic diversity was relatively high (He> 0.5), the population had a deficiency of heterozygotes (FIS > 0), which was most likely due to nonrandom mating and, possibly, a Wahlund effect. A star-like haplotype network and negative Tajima’s D support the genetic effect of bottleneck followed by population expansion. Based on presumably neutral markers, we conclude thatC. ohridellaappeared to be a good model for studying evolution toward a generalist invasive species, rather than HAD.

ObjectivesIn 2015 and 2016 Poland recorded rapid proliferation of New Delhi MBL (NDM)-producing Enterobacterales, with at least 470 and 1780 cases, respectively. We addressed the roles of the Klebsiella pneumoniae ST11 NDM-1 outbreak genotype, already spreading in 2012–14, and of newly imported organisms in this increase.MethodsThe study included 2136 NDM-positive isolates identified between April 2015 and December 2016, following transfer of patients with K. pneumoniae ST147 NDM-1 from Tunisia to Warsaw in March 2015. The isolates were screened by PCR mapping for variants of blaNDM-carrying Tn125-like elements. Selected isolates were typed by PFGE and MLST. NDM-encoding plasmids were analysed by nuclease S1/hybridization, transfer assays, PCR-based replicon typing and PCR mapping.ResultsThe organisms were mainly K. pneumoniae containing the Tn125A variant of the ST11 epidemic lineage (n = 2094; ∼98%). Their representatives were of the outbreak pulsotype and ST11, and produced NDM-1, encoded by specific IncFII (pKPX-1/pB-3002cz)-like plasmids. The isolates were recovered in 145 healthcare centres in 13/16 administrative regions, predominantly the Warsaw area. The ‘Tunisian’ genotype K. pneumoniae ST147 NDM-1 Tn125F comprised 18 isolates (0.8%) from eight institutions. The remaining 24 isolates, mostly K. pneumoniae and Escherichia coli of diverse STs, produced NDM-1 or NDM-5 specified by various Tn125 derivatives and plasmids.ConclusionsThe K. pneumoniae ST11 NDM-1 outbreak has dramatically expanded in Poland since 2012, which may bring about a countrywide endemic situation in the near future. In addition, the so-far limited K. pneumoniae ST147 NDM-1 outbreak plus multiple NDM imports from different countries were observed in 2015–16.

Two series of novel fluorinated nucleosides dimers with an unnatural 1,2,3-triazole linkage were synthesized. The obtained molecules were prepared using "click" chemistry approach based on copper(I) catalyzed Huisgen azide-alkyne cycloaddition. It was performed between 3'- and 5'-azido-nucleosides as the azide components, and the 3'

The influence of faba bean seed fermentation on the release of bioactive peptides after digestion in gastrointestinal conditions was investigated. The molecular mass of protein detected by SDS-PAGE was in the range from 6.5 to 97 kDa. The highest degree of protein hydrolysis (98.72%) was noted for protein obtained from seeds fermented for 3 h at 37 °C. The hydrolyzate of seeds fermented for 7 days at 30 °C was characterized by the highest peptide content (4.78 mg/mL). The highest ACE-inhibitory and antiradical against ABTS·+ activity were noted for a peptide fraction obtained from a sample fermented for 3 days at 30 °C (IC50 = 1.01 and 0.99 mg/mL, respectively). The sample obtained after 3-h fermentation at 22 °C was characterized by the highest LOX inhibitory activity (IC50 = 0.54 mg/mL). The lowest IC50 value was determined for fractions obtained from seeds fermented for 3 h and 7 days at 37 °C, and the value was not significantly different (0.92 and 0.89 mg/mL, respectively). The peptide fraction obtained from seeds fermented for 3 days at 30 °C with the highest potential for inhibition of metabolic syndrome development was separated on Sephadex G10 and peptide sequences were identified by LC-MS/MS.

Time-resolved luminescence lifetime measurements are an important photophysical technique. However, access to this technique at the undergraduate level is limited by the expense of the instrumentat...

The is insufficient knowledge of arthropod communities occurring in specific microhabitats. In this study, we characterize the arthropod assemblages inhabiting burrows of the common hamster (Cricetus cricetusL.) and factors that determine their diversity and abundance. We tested the following hypotheses: (1) arthropod assemblages are associated with a particular dominant vegetation occurring in the vicinity of burrows; (2) a correlation exists between fine-scale geographic distances among burrows and assemblage dissimilarity; and (3) the type of trap influences the sampling success of captured arthropods. We found 73 morphospecies belonging to 16 families in 109 burrows, most of which were in the families Staphylinidae (Coleoptera) and Parasitidae (Arachnida: Acari: Mesostigmata). The most abundant families were Staphylinidae, Cryptophagidae (Coleoptera), Parasitidae, and Macrochelidae (Mesostigmata) (78.89%). Among the identified species, we foundAleochara irmgardis(Staphylinidae) andPoecilochirus sexclavatus(Parasitidae) which had not yet been reported in Poland, and several other rare species. Meat-baited traps captured 64.34% more individuals, which were more diverse and species-rich than the non-baited control traps, but the former was more selective for saprophages, necrophages, and coprophages. The burrows located in areas overgrown by triticale (a hybrid of wheat and rye) were inhabited by 69.86% of the identified arthropod species, and these also had the highest abundance (64.07%) in comparison with other habitats. However, differences in sample size biased our results toward and overestimate arthropods associated with this vegetation. This study underlines that the species composition detected in burrows was affected by the methods used and hamster preferences for a specific habitat rather than the geographic proximity of the burrows. More extensive sampling across multiple habitats will be necessary to confirm our findings.

紀要論文, The Takarazuka Revue is a popular Japanese theatrical company consisting solely of female performers. Since its establishment in 1914 Takarazuka has often been considered as part of shōjo culture but was its representation the same throughout its history? This paper examines how Takarazuka’s representation has evolved after the staging of The Rose of Versailles in 1974 and attempts to localize its position in contemporary Japanese pop-culture. First, by reviewing Takarazuka’s position as part of pre-war shōjo culture and through content analysis of The Rose of Versailles, I evaluate the effect the play’s staging has had on the Revue. Then, by conducting a discourse analysis of Takarazuka’s representation as seen in anime, manga, and variety TV programs, I localize Takarazuka within Japanese pop-culture and discuss the transition process of its representation. The paper distinguishes three primary themes surrounding Takarazuka’s post-Rose of Versailles representation in the media: Takarazuka as a setting for girls’ comics, Takarazuka as a parody, and Takarazuka’s zealous fans. The results of the analysis show, although Takarazuka is still strongly associated with shōjo culture, it has since surpassed the genre and can be seen to have spread to other pop-culture genres such as fan culture and Japanese idol culture.

Horse chestnut leaf miner (Cameraria ohridella) has achieved ecological success by colonizing the entire European range of its primary host, horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum). This insect has attracted the attention of scientists, but its ecology is poorly understood. Here, we investigated the effects of varying degrees of light availability on the leaf morphology of horse chestnut saplings and the performance of C. ohridella. A pot experiment under greenhouse conditions was performed in which the photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) was reduced from full light by 50% (high light - HL) or 80% (low light - LL). Insect performance parameters were quantified (i.e., pupal mass, efficiency of conversion of utilised leaf tissue (ECU) and potential fecundity). Compared with HL leaflets those from LL were characterised by higher contents of nitrogen and water but lower total phenolics. The oxidative capacity of phenolics (at pH ≈ 10, common in the lepidopteran gut) was low and did not differ in the two treatments. Compared with those collected from HL leaves, the mines of those collected from leaves of plants grown under LL conditions were larger in area but the leaf mass utilized by larvae was similar. Pupae were heavier in LL than in HL conditions, and ECU was higher in LL. The potential fecundity of females was not sensitive for experimental treatment. We conclude that (1) reduced light had a strong beneficial effect on the performance of C. ohridella and (2) phenolics in A. hippocastanum leaf tissues are a poor defence against this herbivore.

The end of XIX and beginning of the XXth century was the time of rapid development of Tatra tourism. It was also the time during which Zakopane became the leading touristic venue. Polish Intelligentsia, who came in huge numbers to this place from all annexed territories, had the main influence on that process. The achievements of pioneers in Tatra tourism were the major subjects in the local press, whose dynamic development depended on the growing number of visitors coming to Zakopane. During the years 1891–1914 there were altogether 12 journals that described socio-economic development of Zakopane, included science and popular science articles from various fields and, more importantly, promoted tourism, presented accounts of mountain treks and activities carried out by Polish Tatra Society and Tatra Mountains Volunteer Rescue Service. The press in Zakopane described and presented discussions on controversial topics such as, for example, building the mountain cableway to Świnica Peak. At the beginning of the XXth century the local press included articles written by famous sports and recreation promoters as: Leopold Świerz, Stanislaw Bedzikiewicz, Eugeniusz Piasecki, Stanislaw Barabasz i Mariusz Zaruski.

The research and development of new carbon materials of electrochemical capacitors cause a huge interest in chemical power sources causes. The appropriate modification of carbon materials leads to an increase in supercapacitor capacitance. Therefore, activated carbon was modified by ozone treatment. The process of ozonation was carried out for 15, 30, 60, 120 and 240 min. Moreover, activated carbon was also modified by cobalt(II) hydroxide impregnation in order to construct asymmetric electrochemical capacitor. The performance of electrochemical capacitors has been examined by cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge/discharge in 1 M H2SO4, 1 M Na2SO4 and 6 M KOH

In 30 monosubstituted benzene cation radicals, studied at the ωB97XD/aug-cc-pVTZ level, the phenyl rings usually adopt a compressed form, but a differently compressed form—equivalent to an elongated one—may coexist. The computational and literature ionization potentials are well correlated. The geometrical and magnetic aromaticity, estimated using HOMA and NICS indices, show the systems to be structurally aromatic but magnetically antiaromatic or only weakly aromatic. The partial charge is split between the substituent and ring and varies the most at C(ipso). In the ring, the spin is 70%, concentrated equally at the C(ipso) and C(p) atoms. The sEDA(D) and pEDA(D) descriptors of the substituent effect in cation radicals, respectively, were determined. In cation radicals, the substituent effect on the σ-electron system is like that in the ground state. The effect on the π-electron systems is long-range, and its propagation in the radical quinone-like ring is unlike that in the neutral molecules. The pEDA(D) descriptor correlates well with the partial spin at C(ipso) and C(p) and weakly with the HOMA(D) index. The correlation of the spin at the ring π-electron system and the pEDA(D) descriptor shows that the electron charge supplied to the ring π-electron system and the spin flow oppositely.

Summary: Junctional coupling between endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+-sensor STIM proteins and plasma membrane (PM) Orai channels mediates Ca2+ signals in most cells. We reveal that PM-tethered, fluorescently tagged C-terminal M4x (fourth transmembrane helix contains a cytoplasmic C-terminal extension) peptides from Orai channels undergo a Leu-specific signature of direct interaction with the STIM1 Orai-activating region (SOAR), exactly mimicking STIM1 binding to gate Orai channels. The 20-amino-acid Orai3-M4x peptide associates avidly with STIM1 within ER-PM junctions, functions to competitively block native Ca2+ signals, and mediates a key modification of STIM-Orai coupling induced by 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate. By blocking STIM-Orai coupling, the Orai3-M4x peptide reveals the critical role of Orai channels in driving Ca2+ oscillatory signals and transcriptional control through NFAT. The M4x peptides interact independently with SOAR dimers consistent with unimolecular coupling between Orai subunits and STIM1 dimers. We reveal the critical role of M4x helices in defining the coupling interface between STIM and Orai proteins to mediate store-operated Ca2+ signals.

The phenolic and antioxidant potential of potentially bioaccessible fractions of lentil sprouts was studied. Sprouts were cocultivated with a probiotic to obtain a new functional product and further stored in cool conditions. The fraction obtained after buffer extraction and gastric digestion had higher content of phenolics compared to the control (by 20% and 46%, respectively), however, a 9% decrease was observed in samples obtained after gastrointestinal digestion. After gastrointestinal digestion, the highest content of phenolics (278 µg/g d.w.) was determined in the fresh control sprouts. Compounds neutralizing ABTS and hydroxyl radicals, chelating metal ions, and exhibiting strong reducing power were effectively released after gastrointestinal digestion (e.g., the values of the gastrointestinal digestibility index for chelating power and ability to quench hydroxyl radicals significantly exceeded 1 in all studied samples). It was proved that the enrichment of sprouts with a probiotic and further storage significantly improved the antioxidant potential, compared to the fresh control sprouts, an increase by 45% and 10% was determined after the gastric and gastrointestinal digestion, respectively. Lentil sprouts enriched with L. plantarum 299v may be a new functional product characterized by the high antioxidant capacity of the potentially bioaccessible fraction.

In 2003 to 2004, the first five VIM-2 metallo-β-lactamase (MBL)-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MPPA) isolates with an In4-like integron, In461 (aadB-bla(VIM-2)-aadA6), on conjugative plasmids were identified in three hospitals in Poland. In 2005 to 2015, MPPA expanded much in the country, and as many as 80 isolates in a collection of 454 MPPA (∼18%) had In461, one of the two most common MBL-encoding integrons. The organisms occurred in 49 hospitals in 33 cities of 11/16 main administrative regions. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) classified them into 55 pulsotypes and 35 sequence types (STs), respectively, revealing their remarkable genetic diversity overall, with only a few small clonal clusters. S1 nuclease/hybridization assays and mating of 63 representative isolates showed that ∼85% of these had large In461-carrying plasmids, ∼350 to 550 kb, usually self-transmitting with high efficiency (∼10(−1) to 10(−2) per donor cell). The plasmids from 19 isolates were sequenced and subjected to structural and single-nucleotide-polymorphism (SNP)-based phylogenetic analysis. These formed a subgroup within a family of IncP-2-type megaplasmids, observed worldwide in pseudomonads from various environments and conferring resistance/tolerance to multiple stress factors, including antibiotics. Their microdiversity in Poland arose mainly from acquisition of different accessory fragments, as well as new resistance genes and multiplication of these. Short-read sequence and/or PCR mapping confirmed the In461-carrying plasmids in the remaining isolates to be the IncP-2 types. The study demonstrated a large-scale epidemic spread of multidrug resistance plasmids in P. aeruginosa populations, creating an epidemiological threat. It contributes to the knowledge on IncP-2 types, which are interesting research objects in resistance epidemiology, environmental microbiology, and biotechnology.

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Objectives To identify key factors of the expansion of metallo-β-lactamase (MBL)-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MPPA) in Poland, focusing on the role of clonal epidemic(s). Methods MPPA isolates were typed by PFGE, followed by MLST. blaVIM/IMP MBL genes were amplified and sequenced within class 1 integrons. Their location was assessed by S1 nuclease-hybridization assays. Short-read WGS was performed, and genomes were subjected to SNP-based phylogenetic and resistome analyses. Results Of 1314 MPPA isolates collected in 2005–15 from 212 hospitals, 454 representatives were selected. The isolates belonged to 120 pulsotypes and 52 STs, of which ST235 (∼31%), ST111 (∼17%), ST273 (∼16%) and ST654 (∼9%) prevailed, followed by ST244, ST17, ST395, ST175 and ST1567. The isolates produced seven VIM variants (97.5%) and four IMPs encoded by 46 integrons, most of which were observed only or mainly in Poland. Around 60% of the isolates resulted from (inter)regional clonal outbreaks of 10 individual ST235, ST111, ST273 and ST654 genotypes. The phylogenetic analysis of 163 genomes revealed heterogeneity of ST235 and ST111 populations, arising from transnational circulation and on-site differentiation of several clades/branches. Contrarily, ST273 and ST654 formed relatively homogeneous and apparently Poland-specific lineages, and a unique ST273 genotype with integron In249 was the most expansive organism. Conclusions Together with a previous report on self-transmissible In461-carrying IncP-2-type plasmids, this study revealed the molecular/genomic background of the rapid MPPA increase in Poland in 2001–15, evidencing multi-clonal spread as its leading factor. Numerous novel/specific MPPA characteristics were identified.

The article aims to evaluate the cooperation of Polish farmers from Łódź Voivodeship with science and other farmers in the field of implementing innovation in farms. Paper and Pencil Interview (PAPI) method was used. The analysis covers 150 Polish farms located in the Łódź Voivodeship. The farms for the study were selected from the Polish FADN (Farm Accountancy Data Network) sample. The study was made in 2018. The conducted research has proved that interest in scientific achievements depends on the innovativeness of farms. The cooperation between Polish farmers from Łódź Voivodeship in the field of innovation activity do not differ in terms of their farming type. A consequence of the selection of farms is the lack of the ability to generalize the results to the entire population of farms in the Łódź Voivodeship. The added value of the analysis is the presentation of the results in terms of farm innovation.

The 108th birthday and 10th death anniversary of Tadeusz W. Nowacki is an excellent opportunity to recall the life and scientific work of the creator of work pedagogy. The recollection commemorates the years of childhood and adolescence, which are little known to the younger generations of work pedagogues. His "Memoirs" were published in the memorial book "The 95th birthday jubilee of Tadeusz W. Nowacki". The publication proves Tadeusz W. Nowacki to be a great patriot heavily experienced by various circumstances and a person sensitive to the fate of a man. Tadeusz W. Nowacki was convinced that the role and importance of work pedagogy in the structure of pedagogical science should be further explored, continuously supplemented and updated. The incredibly rich scientific achievement of Tadeusz W. Nowacki confirms his devotion to work pedagogy. Tadeusz W. Nowacki published over 840 original works, he participated in nearly 70 promotions for academic degrees and titles, 70 different works were dedicated to the Professor as a scientist.

Boronic acid-substituted polymers are an attractive class of materials with broad potential applications in functional materials, chemo- and biosensors, as well as supported catalysts. In this work we present the synthesis of a new class of more electron-deficient borinic acid polymers, investigations into their use as catalysts in amide bond formation, and studies on their supramolecular assembly and polymer network formation.We prepared two highly electron-deficient borinic acid copolymers, poly(styrene- co-2,4-dichlorophenyl borinic acid) and poly(styrene-co-3,5-dichlorophenyl borinic acid). The polymers and their corresponding model compounds, 2,4- and 3,5-substituted (dichlorophenyl)(tert-butylphenyl)borinic acid, were examined as catalysts in the amide bond formation reaction between phenylacetic acid and benzylamine. The 3,5- dichlorophenyl borinic acid derivatives proved to be the more effective catalysts. Mechanistic studies suggested that the borane Lewis acid-catalyzed coupling involves initial acid-induced protodeboronation to release dichlorophenyl boronic acid as the active catalyst. Furthermore, these borinic acid polymers are shown to form supramolecular assemblies via Lewis acid ��� Lewis base interactions and reversible covalent B-O-B bond formation. The dynamic processes were studied in detail by variable temperature (VT) NMR on the molecular model compounds and the respective pyridine-complexed boroxanes, R���RB-O-BRR���(Py).In a second project, we investigated the use of borinic acid polymers in the formation of dynamic polymer networks with poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) as a soft and flexible component. These network polymers are crosslinked by boron-8- hydroxyquinolate moieties. We first prepared a series of model compounds by reaction of tBu- and 3,5Cl2-substituted (phenyl)(styrene)borinic acids (X = t-Bu and X = 3,5Cl2) with different 8-hydroxyquinoline ligands (8-hydroxyquinoline (HQ), 5-formyl-8- hydroxyquinoline (FHQ), 5-propylimino-8-hydroxyquinole (NHQ)) to study the dynamic nature of the B-O-C bonds in the presence of the quinoline nitrogen donor atom that is intramolecularly coordinated to the boron center. Six different boron-8-hydroxyquinolate complexes were used in exchange studies of free hydroxyquinolines with boron-bound hydroxyquinolines, as well as between different boron-bound hydroxyquinolines. Quantitative data on the thermodynamics of these exchange processes provide important insights into the expected dynamic processes in the supramolecular polymer networks. We then prepared polymer networks with chromophoric boron 8-hydroxyquinolate dynamic cross-links in the form of thin films by reacting 8-hydroxyquinoline-terminated PDMS with the borinic acid polymers. The resulted novel supramolecular polymer networks (SPNs) show an emergence of strong fluorescence due to formation of the fluorescent boron chelate complexes. We confirmed the SPN formation through 1H NMR studies and photophysical studies of the model complexes and the films.

One of the tools to contain the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic was to increase the number of performed tests and to improve the access to diagnostics. To this effect, mobile collection sites (MCSs) were established. This study was performed on samples collected at the MCS between November 2020 and March 2021. We aimed to confirm/exclude SARS-CoV-2, differentiate SARS-CoV-2 variants, and detect other respiratory pathogens. SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses were identified by RT-qPCRs. A total of 876 (46.35%) SARS-CoV-2 positive specimens in the diagnostic tests were identified. The wild-type variant was determined in 667 (76.14%) samples; the remaining 209 (23.86%) samples specimens were identified as Alpha variant. A total of 51 (5.6%) non-SARS-CoV-2 cases were detected in retrospective studies. These accounted for 33 cases of mono-infection including rhinovirus (RV), human adenovirus (HAdV), human metapneumovirus (HMPV), enterovirus (EV), and influenza virus, and 18 cases of co-infection (SARS-CoV-2 with RV or HAdV or HMPV, and RV with EV). Our research shows that the results obtained from the MCS have value in epidemiological studies, reflecting national trends on a micro scale. Although the spread of COVID-19 is a major public health concern, SARS-CoV-2 is not the only pathogen responsible for respiratory infections.